from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Keith “Red” Ross Sr., 81, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, died March 22, 2018, at his home.

He was born in Wayne County, W.Va., on Oct. 28, 1936. He married Donna Lee Cribley and they were together for 47 years before she passed away on Jan. 10, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Leota Ross Akers; his grandmother who raised him, Sadie; brother, Donald Glenn Akers; and grandson, Brandon.

A veteran of the United States Army, he was self-employed. He loved his horses and harness racing. Mr. Ross was a longtime member of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and the USTA. One of his proudest and most recent accomplishments was his 3-year-old filly trotter Like Old Times winning Horse of the Year in Ohio in 2015.

Mr. Ross was a member of the Eagles, Elks, Moose, and American Legion. He was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds and was a season-ticket holder for many years.

He is survived by his children, Keith (Becky) Jr., Mark and Kim (Tim) LeVan; grandchildren, Clark, Colby (Rhandi) LeVan, Lindy (Tark) Martin, Luke (Rachel), Kara (Quinn) Ross-Henning and Hollie (Alexander) Ross-Williams; great-grandchildren, Bensyn LeVan, Parker Penhorwood, Harper Penhorwood, Carson Penhorwood, Eddie, Abbott, Eden Williams and Ryan Henning; and his special friend, Gail Huser.

Friends may call at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, on Friday (March 30) from 5-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lights of Love, c/o Logan County Cancer Society, Attn: Tammy Allison, 205 Palmer Ave., Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edsfh.com.